I was disappointed by your April 25 editorial, "Don't remove 'under God,' " which gives the impression that the recent controversy over the Pledge of Allegiance is misplaced only because the phrase "under God" has no significance other than being words recited by "most students" who "barely even think about what they are muttering," and that the phrase represents nothing more than "a verbal bow to a still significant American majority."

To propose that students "could make up some words as they go along" if they objected to the phrase minimizes the value of the Pledge by consigning it some "make it up as you go along" identity. This flawed and sloppy approach to expressing personal preference could easily be extended to marriage vows, sworn affidavits and other oaths.

In closing, love of country cannot and should not be mandated by decree, or even by a "state requirement." The decision to acknowledge or deny God remains rightfully with the individual.

If you don't want to say the words "under God" during the Pledge, then don't. If you don't want to recite the Pledge at all, then don't.

If you don't want to be exposed to others professing a belief that our country should seek guidance from a higher power other than self, then just leave the room.

Just don't stand there pretending to say something that is meant to be a heartfelt profession of love for one's country.

Bruce Meigs

Brick

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